Category: Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy

Bethlehem University Marks World Occupational Therapy Day

On Thursday, 6 November 2025, the Occupational Therapy Program at the Rehabilitation Department, Tarek Ahmad Juffali Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences at Bethlehem University, organized an engaging awareness event to celebrate World Occupational Therapy Day. The event brought together students from all academic years, faculty members, and representatives from various centers and institutions providing […]

Bethlehem University Represents Palestine at International “Occupational Therapy in Action” Forum

Bethlehem University proudly participated in an international online forum themed “Occupational Therapy in Action,” convened in collaboration between the Palestinian Occupational Therapy Association (PAOT) and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). Ms. Anan Ghabbash, Chairperson of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at Bethlehem University, took part as the official representative of Palestine. The forum […]

Rehabilitation Department Chair Participates in Specialized Training on Addiction Treatment in Amman

Mr. Anan Ghabbash, Chairperson of the Rehabilitation Department at Bethlehem University, recently participated in a specialized training on addiction treatment and rehabilitation, held in Amman, Jordan from 23 to 27 October 2025. The program was organized by the Sustainable Change for Development Association – Palestine, in cooperation with Zentrum ÜBERLEBE BEN, a German center specializing in psychosocial support and community-based rehabilitation. The training focused […]

Interdisciplinary Teaching Enhances Occupational Therapy Students’ Learning Experience

As part of the OCTH220 – Human Growth and Development course, the Rehabilitation Department at Bethlehem University organized a special guest lecture on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, for Occupational Therapy students. The session was delivered by Ms. Dalia Elias, Instructor in the Department of Midwifery, who brought valuable professional insights to the class, combining a theoretical lecture with a simulation-based learning […]

Rehabilitation Sciences Department Participates in the First National Rehabilitation Conference

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at the Tarek Ahmed Juffali Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences participated in the First National Rehabilitation Conference, hosted by Dura Al-Amal Charitable Association in Dura, Hebron, from 20–21 October 2025. The conference brought together academics, researchers, and practitioners in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy from across the West Bank, with […]

Physical Therapy Students Lead Educational and Hands-On Event

The Physical Therapy Program at the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences in the Tarek Juffali Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences organized an inspiring and educational event to mark World Physical Therapy Day, led by the student club PT Bloom with the participation of all physical therapy students. The event featured specialized sessions on neurological and […]

OT Students Participate in the Free Medical Day at Lajee Center: Promoting Health and Community Awareness

Bethlehem University’s Occupational Therapy students took part in the 12th Free Medical Day, organized by the Health and Environment Unit at Lajee Center. Together with Nursing students from the Arab American University, they led engaging and educational activities across five specialized health stations, focusing on healthy behaviors and working positions, community well-being, and preventive care. […]

OT Graduates Inspire Students After Summer Program at the USC

Bethlehem University welcomed back four graduates of the Occupational Therapy program; Dania Abassi, Asmma Alkam, Maryam Jaabari, and Nagham Irziqat, who met with current students last Thursday, 9 October 2025, to share their experiences from the Summer Occupational Therapy Immersion (SOTI) Program at the University of Southern California (USC), a world leader in occupational therapy […]

Practical Lecture on Spinal Injury Assessment for Occupational Therapy Students

As part of its commitment to experiential and hands-on learning, Dr. Atheer Ghatasha, Head of Rehabilitation Department at Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation, delivered a specialized practical lecture for fourth-year Occupational Therapy students enrolled in the course Occupational Therapy Skills II (OCTH 212). The session, held under the supervision of Ms. Wisal Chamrukh from the […]

Bethlehem University Hosts Advanced Dry Needling Workshop

On Sunday, 31 August 2025, Bethlehem University’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, in collaboration with Optimal Dry Needling Solutions (South Africa) and with the support of Fizik Academy (Palestine), hosted an advanced Dry Needling Workshop on campus. The workshop focused on specialized dry needling techniques for musculoskeletal conditions, combining both theoretical knowledge and practical training. Participants […]

BU participates in Workshop on “Mood and Affective Disorders”

In a testament to its ongoing collaboration with German institutions, the Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy at Tareq Ahmad Al-Juffali Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences – Bethlehem University took part in a specialized workshop on Mood and Affective Disorders, held in Amman, Jordan, from May 19 to 21, 2025. The workshop was organized […]

Occupational Therapy Students Visit Al-Shurooq School for Blind Children

Second-Year Occupational Therapy Students from Bethlehem University recently conducted a field visit to Al-Shurooq School for Blind Children. The visit, organized under the supervision of Ms. Wisal Chamrukh and in coordination with School Principal Ms. Mirna Fleifel and Occupational Therapist Ms. Dana Ramadan, aimed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application through real-world experiences. This […]

Physical Therapy Students Deepen Clinical Understanding Through Visit to Jemima Institution

As part of Bethlehem University’s commitment to experiential, student-centered learning, second-year Physical Therapy students recently participated in a field visit to the Jemima Institution. Accompanied by faculty member Ms. Siba Balian, the visit offered students valuable insight into specialized inpatient and school-based rehabilitation programs serving individuals with moderate to severe physical and developmental conditions. The […]

Bethlehem University Occupational Therapy Students Promote Wellness at Lajee Center

On 10 May 2025, third-year Occupational Therapy students from Bethlehem University’s Tarek Ahmad Juffali Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences played an active role in the 11th Medical Awareness Day hosted by the Health and Environment Unit at the Lajee Center in Aida Refugee Camp. The event brought together medical professionals from various specialties and […]

Physiotherapy Students Gain Hands-On Experience at Life Gate Center

In line with Bethlehem University’s mission to deliver transformative education that bridges academic learning with real-world practice, second-year students from the Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy recently conducted a scientific visit to the Life Gate Rehabilitation Center in Beit Jala. This visit, organized under the initiatives of the student club PT Bloom, exemplified the […]

OT Students Engage in Problem-Based Learning at Karmal Psychiatric Hospital

On Tuesday, 15 April 2025, first- and third-year students from Bethlehem University’s Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy participated in a transformative academic experience at Karmal Psychiatric Hospital in Bethlehem. The visit, inspired by the University’s Academic Innovation Hub, featured a problem-based learning (PBL) approach that deepened students’ understanding of mental health care. Hosted by […]

OT Students Engage in Community-Based Development

As part of its commitment to experiential learning and community engagement, Bethlehem University’s third-year Occupational Therapy students participated in a two-day practical learning experience at Les Amis des Enfants de Bethlehem (Bethlehem Children’s Friends Association) on April 8–9, 2025. The visit was organized as part of the “Community-Based Rehabilitation” course, taught by Ms. Vida Bannoura, […]

Occupational Therapy Students Engage in Experiential Learning at St. Nicolas Home

As part of Bethlehem University’s commitment to transformative education and community engagement, second-year Occupational Therapy students visited St. Nicolas Home for the elderly in Beit Jala on Saturday, 15 March 2025. The visit was conducted within the framework of the OCTH 210 (Occupational Therapy Physical I) course under the supervision of Ms. Wisal Chamrukh. The […]

Occupational Therapy Students Lead Community Project-Based Learning Initiative

In February, third-year Occupational Therapy students at Bethlehem University successfully implemented a Community Project-Based Learning initiative as part of their Community-Based Rehabilitation Course (OCTH313). Inspired by the university’s Transformative Development Model, the project took place over two weeks in two locations: 21 February at Daughters of Charity – Crèche, Bethlehem, and on 28 February at […]

Students Engage in Lecture on Gender-Based Violence

Second-year students in the Human Growth and Development course (OCTH220) had the opportunity to attend an enriching lecture on Gender-Based Violence, delivered by guest speaker Ms. Christeen Ibrahim. The lecture provided insightful perspectives on the concept of gender-based violence, highlighting its profound impact on communities. Ms. Christeen encouraged students to reflect on the topic’s significance, […]

Nursing and Health Sciences Students Engage in Field Activities

As part of Bethlehem University’s mission to promote health awareness and serve the community, students from the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences are actively engaging in field activities through their Community Health course. These activities aim to spread health education and enable early detection of various conditions, focusing on local schools (public, private, and […]

Bethlehem University’s Physical Therapy Graduates Achieve 100% Pass Rate

Bethlehem University is proud of its Physical Therapy graduates who applied for the 2024 licensing exam by the Palestinian Ministry of Health achieved a 100% pass rate! This exam included both a computer-based knowledge test and a hands-on practical skills assessment, and our graduates not only passed but excelled. This outstanding success is a testament […]

Bethlehem University Recognizes World Occupational Therapy Day

The Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy at Bethlehem University’s Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences marked World Occupational Therapy Day, providing a valuable opportunity to spotlight the significance of occupational therapy as a profession. The event was officially opened by Prof. Iman Saca, Vice President for Academic Affairs, alongside Dean of the Faculty, Ms. […]

Occupation Therapy Students Conduct Community Projects

As part of their Teaching and Presentation Skills course, Bethlehem University’s Occupational Therapy students conducted community projects in schools across Bethlehem and Jerusalem during October in commemoration of Occupational Therapy Day on 27 October. The purpose of the visits was to raise awareness among secondary school students about the role of Occupational Therapy and its […]

Physiotherapy Students Volunteer at Al-Malath Foundation

The Physical and Occupational Therapy Department at the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences organized a social activity where second-year physiotherapy students visited the Al-Malath Foundation for people with disabilities in Beit Sahour. The activity included a group breakfast followed by olive picking, in an atmosphere full of positive interaction and community integration.

Occupational Therapy Students Visit LifeGate Rehabilitation Center

On Thursday, 17 October 2024, first year Occupational Therapy students visited LifeGate Rehabilitation Center in Beit Jala as part of an introductory course to the profession. The students met the director Mr. Burghard Shunkert who thanked Bethlehem University for the long and ongoing partnership. In addition, they met nine occupational therapists, who are graduates of […]

Occupational Therapy Students Participate in Integrated Lecture on Birth Process

On Tuesday, 15 October 2024, Occupational Therapy students at Bethlehem University participated in an integrated lecture with Ms. Dalia Elias at the Simulation Center in the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences. The session, part of the “Human Growth and Development” course (OCTH220), focused on the birth process and the interventions used during labor. This […]

Bethlehem University Occupational Therapy Students Explore Psychomotor Program

Third-year occupational therapy students at Bethlehem University participated in an engaging workshop on the Psychomotor Program on Friday, 26 April 2024. Led by Ms. Magi Fatouleh, the workshop was part of the Community-Based Rehabilitation course. The Psychomotor Program is designed specifically for implementation within communities, with a particular focus on benefiting children. Students actively participated […]

Occupational Therapy Students Host Intergenerational Activity at Saint Nicolas Home

During their clinical training at Saint Nicolas Home in Beit Jala, third-year occupational therapy students organized a heartwarming activity on 13 March 2024 involving residents and children from the Creche/Bethlehem. With creativity and compassion, the students facilitated an intergenerational activity where the residents engaged in reminiscence therapy while the children participated in arts and crafts. […]

Occupational Therapy Program Hosts Workshop on Disability Rights

On Thursday, 7 March 2024, the Occupational Therapy program at Bethlehem University hosted the community-based rehabilitation team from Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation. The visiting team conducted an engaging workshop for first-year students, focusing on etiquette and the rights of people with disabilities. The session was both interactive and informative.

Occupational Therapy Students Organize Activity at Aida Camp

On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, a community activity was held at Lajee Center at Aida Camp, organized by third-year occupational therapy students as part of their Community-based Rehabilitation Course. The day began with interactive sessions aimed at enhancing developmental skills. Through innovative activities, the students fostered an environment of inclusivity and empowerment by focusing on […]

President of World Federation of Occupational Therapy Visits Bethlehem University

On Monday 18 September 2023, Bethlehem University’s Occupational Therapy Program had the distinct honor of hosting Ms. Samantha Shann, President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapy, coming from the United Kingdom. Bethlehem University’s Occupational Therapy Program is one of the educational programs with international recognition. During her visit Ms. Shann met with Vice Chancellor […]

Physiotherapy Students Heal Palestine International Marathon Runners

Bethlehem University’s Physiotherapy students, along with others from different universities, were part of the team who worked tirelessly to heal the aching limbs of the athletes who ran the Palestine International Marathon 2023. This community engagement, out of which the students gained service learning, exposed them to sports injuries that the athletes who were running […]

Senior Physiotherapy Students Exhibit their Adaptive Equipment

On Tuesday, 17 January 2023, the senior Physiotherapy students exhibited their adaptive equipment made under the supervision of Mr. Ibrahim Salhab, Clinical Coordinator and Supervisor. The equipment has been designed and made for specific clients in the community as part of the adaptive equipment course held at Lifegate Rehabilitation, Beit Jala. There was also a […]

Four OT Students to travel to California

The University of Southern California (USC), Department of Occupational Therapy, has offered a scholarship to allow four Occupational Therapy students from Bethlehem University to travel to California to join their 2023 summer program. Bethlehem University Students have previously participated many times in this program and USC is keen to continue their participation. The Occupational Therapy […]

OT Students Meet International Students Online

The senior students of the Occupational Therapy program continue to participate in the University of Southern California’s pen pal scheme. This project brings together different occupational therapy students from universities from around the world.  The latest online zoom meeting saw students in breakout rooms having in-depth discussions and sharing experiences about occupational therapy in their different countries.

Physical and Occupational Therapy Students Visit Schools

The Physical and Occupational Therapy students held an awareness interactive activity for students in various schools in the Bethlehem area on Thursday, 4 November 2021. The students spoke about their specialization, their study journey, and concepts related to community needs. This activity was held as part of the PHTH 330 course which aims at encouraging students to […]

Physiotherapist Students Participate in the Open Day

Physiotherapist students participated in the open day held on Thursday, 21 October 2021, by implementing a physical activity awareness campaign as part of the PHTH 330 course supervised by Ms. Manar Jaber The students’ campaign was divided into 4 groups targeting different physical activities areas including: Physical fitness and flexibility Posture analysis and exercises for […]

Occupational Therapy Students Community Service Day

Bethlehem University first-year occupational therapy students helped Al-Malath clients in Beit Sahour to pick their olives on Saturday, 23 October 2021, to celebrate World Occupational Therapy Day. After finishing the olive harvest, the student therapists and the clients enjoyed breakfast together. World Occupational Therapy Day is dedicated to service and celebrated annually on 27 October. 

Senior Occupational Therapy Students meet Howard University Students

The senior occupational therapy students of the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences at Bethlehem University met online with students from Howard University, Washington. Those in the meeting are engaged in research for their seminar courses, and the Howard University students are conducting research for a master’s degree. The meeting began with a presentation by each […]

Physiotherapy Workshop at Bethlehem University

In cooperation with the Holy Child Center, the Physiotherapy Program at the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences organized a therapeutic week for the assessment and treatment of children with neurological conditions in Palestine. The week included a two day workshop at Bethlehem University titled Assessment Tools and Outcome Measures for Pediatric Neurotherapy. Ms. Jane […]